Madam Speaker, I am informed by the Commission of Health, Rodrigues that the existing CT scanner apparatus is out of order since the end of November 2023. The initial attempts to get it repaired were unsuccessful. Consequently, a final attempt for repair is in the pipeline. Amongst the recommendations between the two parties, the Commission has asked for guarantee from the supplier that the CT scan machine will be in good working condition after repair. The supplier, FTM Ltd, on the other hand, has asked for 50% of repair cost prior to intervention, of which, both recommendations have been complied with. I am further informed that the Commission for Health, in parallel, has undertaken necessary steps for the procurement of a new CT scanner apparatus. In this context, a draft bidding document was submitted to the Central Procurement Board in April 2025 and May 2025. The latter requested to review the technical specifications with the assistance of a biomedical engineer from my Ministry and an electrical engineer from ESD. Necessary amendments from my Ministry have already been provided. However, the inputs on the ESD are awaited by Commission for Health. I am made to understand that the two Electrical Engineers from ESD were to proceed to Rodrigues on 25 February 2026 to conduct a survey in order to submit the recommendation. The Ministry of National Infrastructure has been requested to look into the matter. Once the amended specifications would be provided to the Central Procurement Board, the latter will proceed with the invitation of bids.

Thank you. Yes, Mr François!

Madam Speaker, following the recurring technical issues leading to non- operationalisation of a CT scan and other medical equipment in Rodrigues, may I ask the hon. Minister whether his Ministry and RRA are considering the posting of a Biomedical Engineer thereat?

Madam Speaker, in fact in Mauritius we have a lack of Biomedical Engineers. We don’t have Engineers but time and again when the need is felt, we will send them to Rodrigues. But as far as all other details and technicalities are concerned, that entirely rest upon the Rodrigues Regional Assembly. We are here to support and to give all assistance wherever it is required but the request that you have made, I will try to look into it.

Madam Speaker, a second one! May I ask the hon. Minister whether his Ministry is in the presence of a detailed, comprehensive evaluation report of the non- functionality of the existing CT scan in Rodrigues?

I have to look into this.

Okay good! Mr Beejan! WORK PERMIT – JUNE 2025 TO MARCH 2026 – PENDING APPLICATIONS – REASONS